By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Posted Dec. 31, 2007 — This week, when I head back to Iowa it will be to witness history at the Iowa caucuses.  Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) will face the first test of his electability when Iowa voters turn out and turn in their choices for the White House.

On Jan. 3, pundits, pollsters and folks like me will wait and watch to see whom voters pick, and then we’ll dissect why.  But I hope Black Americans are watching and paying attention for a different reason. 

This race and the New Year could start with the first African-American candidate winning the first contest and defeating a long list of veteran politicians.     

Obama is living the words of the famous speech given the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered during the turbulent 1960s.  Obama’s managed to make his candidacy about “the content of his character” and not the “color of his skin.”

Black folks will also see what Obama has brought to this race, an incredible amount of interest.  He’s become the water-cooler conversation, the YouTube Clip King, and he’s managed to reach across gender, age and racial barriers.   

Regardless of how the votes tally up Jan. 3, I know Obama will score a victory because he’s engaged Black folks in the political process, and for that he’s already a winner.      

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer
Posted Dec. 28, 2007 – Reaction was swift from elected officials in the United States to the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto Thursday.  Bhutto was gunned down as she waved to supporters from the sunroof of her armored car following a rally in Rawalpindia, a city of 1.5 million, nine miles from the nation’s capitol Islamabad.

Bhutto who had led Pakistan on two separate occasions, first from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996, had been dismissed both times by the sitting president for alleged corruption. 

With hopes of filling the post for the third time, Bhutto was participating in the parliamentary election scheduled to take place on Jan. 8.
 
President Bush was among the first American leader to condemn the violence. “The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan’s democracy,” Bush said. “Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice.”

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D- S.C.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, released a statement, saying, “I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and supporters of Benazir Bhutto as they mourn her unfortunate and untimely demise. The cowardice exhibited by the extremists who carried out this assassination stands as another reminder of the clear and imminent threat that terrorists pose to humanity and the advancement of democracy.

Both Democratic and Republican presidential candidate also spoke out against the murder. Here’s what they had to say:
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)
        “I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world.”
Former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-Mass.)
       “This points out again the extraordinary reality of global, violent, radical jihadism. We don’t know who is responsible for this attack, but there’s no question but that the violence we see throughout the world is violence which is not limited to Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, but is more global in nature.”
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)
      “Her death is a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred and violence.”
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-N.Y.)
      “Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the terrorists’ war on us.”
Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.)
      “At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto’s movement toward democracy continues.”
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.)

     “On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer
Posted Dec. 27, 2007 –Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) spent Christmas Day in Chicago with his wife of 15 years, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Natasha. But BET News caught up with him in Iowa right before the Christmas hustle earlier this month.  Here are a few excerpts from that interview, which offer a little insight about his experience with racism and why he understands the struggles some young Black couples have to maneuver.

On the Black Factor:

I’ll tell you one of the memories that always comes back to me.  This is after I was in Harvard Law School.  I was back in Chicago for the summer, working for a very prestigious law firm.  I was invited to attend a banquet.   I was at the hotel and was wearing my suit and tie, and as I was passing one of the tables to get to my seat. Somebody turned and said, “Excuse me, can I get some hot tea?”  (laughs)   And so, even at the point that I was at an Ivy League school, wearing a fancy suit, those assumptions and stereotypes still operated.  And that’s something that’s not that distant for me.   I mean, yes, now I’m well known enough that somebody’s probably not going to ask me for tea. 
On Family Matters:

Up until five year ago, we had the same trials and tribulations as a lot of folks.  And we’re not that unique.  There are a lot of talented, young African-American couples who are working hard.   But we were loaded up with student loans. It took us 10 years to pay off our debts, because we didn’t have parents who were paying for our law school educations.
 
There were times when the credit card was maxed out; we were trying to figure out how we start a college fund for the kids; and we’re in an apartment that’s too small.  That’s fairly recent history for us.  So one of the things that we realized – maybe we bring to this presidential race – is we’re not that far removed from what millions of people all across the country are going through every day, both the joys but also the struggles.

Do you think Obama can better understand issues important to you?  Read and respond. 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Posted Dec. 24, 2007 – Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) continues to battle negative hits from Clinton supporters that end with an apology.   This time it was former Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey who “accidentally” mentioned Obama’s middle name, Hussein, at a time when there are false rumors floating around that the Illinois Democrat is really a stealth Muslim candidate whose intent is to bring down the U.S. government.

Two of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s campaign volunteers in Iowa were fired for circulating an email that implied the same negative vibe against Obama, who’s considered Clinton’s top competition. Kerrey’s slip of the tongue occurred during his endorsement of Clinton last Sunday. He now says he’s “sorry for the insult.”
  
 ”I answered a question about your qualifications to be president in a way that has been interpreted as a backhanded insult of you. I assure you I meant to do just the opposite,” Kerrey wrote.  Adding, that was not his intent.

What’s not clear is why Clinton’s folks have so much to say about her rival.  If these political allies would stick to script and chat up Clinton, all of this could be avoided. 

Still, the weekend ended on a high note for Obama.  The Dallas Morning News endorsed Obama for the Democratic nomination, saying, “Mr. Obama is our choice because of his consistently solid judgment, poise under pressure and ability to campaign effectively without resorting to the divisive politics of the past.” 

One of the largest and influential newspapers in Texas, the News issued its endorsement without ignoring race altogether.  While giving a nod to the Democratic candidate it believed would “inspire a refreshingly new approach,” the paper wrote that “race is not an overriding factor for us. But it is undeniable that America has failed to heal its racial wounds, including here in Dallas. We need a motivated leader capable of confronting the problem, and no candidate is better equipped than Mr. Obama. His message isn’t about anger and retribution. It’s about moving forward.”

In the opinion article titled “We Recommend,”  the paper endorsed former Gov. Mike Huckabee, (R-Ark.) to win the Republican nomination. “Mr. Huckabee is not an ideal candidate … His religious conservatism, particularly his past rhetoric on women and gays, can be alarming,” the paper said. “But religious conservatives aren’t easily pigeonholed …. Mr. Huckabee has a stout heart for working families and the poor.”

The paper also said it was not in complete agreement with Obama on all issues, but wrote, “We recognize his potential to unite disparate political factions and restore cooperation between the White House and Capitol Hill.”

Obama, campaigning in Iowa Sunday, told folks, “If we’re serious about winning this election, then we can’t live in fear of losing it.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer 

Posted Dec. 20, 2007 – The number of Black lawmakers undecided about their “presidential pick” just got smaller.  Today, Rep. Bobby Scott, (D -Va.) held a press conference announcing his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

“America is at a crossroad. We can either remain mired in the politics of the past, or press forward and elect a President who can unite us around the sobering challenges we face,” Scott said.

Virginia is a state that hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since 1964 when they voted for President Lyndon Johnson, but Scott says, Obama’s appeal has been proven in Virginia, a state known as a  Republican stronghold.  “His crossover appeal is among, Democrats, Republicans and Independents,” Scott added.

Although the state is conservative, it is not predictable.  In 1990, it was the first state to elect an African-American governor, Doug Wilder.  Now, Wilder is the mayor in his hometown of Richmond, the state’s capital city.

When asked about Obama’s race, Scott said, “It’s not a factor for Obama. It’s not a question if a Black candidate can be successful? It’s can this candidate be successful?”

Scott believes Obama can.  

A poll released today looking at the Democratic race by The Wall Street Journal and NBC News shows Obama 22 percentage points behind former first lady Sen. Hillary Clinton  (D-N.Y.) nationally.   But the momentum in Iowa, where the race is in dead heat, has spilled over into New Hampshire and Clinton’s lead is diminishing daily.

This is a trend the Obama folks point to as a change in the momentum.

Last week California Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) announced her support for Obama.  Scott joins 14 other congressional Black lawmakers and Virginia Gov. Tom Kaine (D).

When asked how important his state will be in the primary, Scott said, “We’re [Virginia] the first state after Super Tuesday, if someone is behind we could score the knock-out punch .”

Scott is planning to campaign throughout the holidays for Obama and will travel to Iowa and New Hampshire during the congressional recess.
 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Pollitical Producer

Posted Dec. 19, 2007 – The primary season is starting to become the battle of the “star endorsers.”  Yesterday, former NBA star Magic Johnson popped up on the campaign trail with Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) along with her other top crowd-pleaser former President Bill Clinton.

Why Johnson left sunny and warm California to hang out in a Des Moines, Iowa, grocery store is beyond me, but it turned out to be a great photo op for Clinton and netted her an impromptu news conference.  

Johnson told the press packed into the Hy-Vee deli and grocery, “This country right now needs a leader with experience because this is not going to be an easy job.”

I agree with Johnson, being the president isn’t easy.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Polticial Producer 

 Posted Dec. 18, 2007 –   Black ministers who have quietly met with the Bush administration at the White House regarding faith-based incentive dollars may now find politics from the pulpit risky business.  Their names and visits will now become part of the public record.
     A federal judge’s ruling Monday was a blow to the Bush administration, which had hoped to keep records private showing visits by prominent conservative religious leaders.

     The judge rejected the White House’s argument and ordered the information be turned over to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the liberal watchdog group that made the request.
     Early in the Bush administration, senior adviser to the president, Karl Rove, arranged several meetings with Bush and religious leaders to develop a “buy-in strategy” for Bush’s new faith-based incentives.
     Some folks agreed to meet because the meetings were behind closed doors and  their attendance and the topics discussed were not available for public consumption.
     Several well-known African-American pastors were included in one of the first such meetings in March 2001.  After the meeting, Bush told reporters, the ministers are “very crucial for helping change” their communities.
      “Many of those preachers are bishops over churches that have got great programs and change people’s hearts and provide hope in neighborhoods where there is no hope,” Bush said at the time. “So I view them not as agents of politics; I view them as agents of change.”
     Claude Allen, Bush’s former domestic policy adviser, along with Rove, arranged meetings with Black ministers, including the Rev. T. D. Jakes, of Dallas; the Rev. Kirby John Caldwell of Houston; and Bishop Eddie Long, of Atlanta.
     Some Black pastors were more public about their support: Caldwell delivered the prayer at Bush’s inaugural in 2005. But others were more low key and had hoped to keep their attendance at these pow-wows, hush-hush.
     That’s why Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington wanted to know who was meeting with the administration. They went to court to get the Secret Service to turn over visitor logs about nine conservative religious commentators, including James Dobson, Gary Bauer and Jerry Falwell, with whom the president met.
     Anne L. Weismann, the watchdog group’s chief counsel, told The Associate Press.  “The judge saw their arguments for what they were.”
     It will be interesting to see exactly which Black religious leaders met with the Bush administration over the last six years.

ByPamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Posted Dec. 17, 2007 – Funeral arrangements are planned for Saturday, Dec. 22 in Indianapolis, for Rep. Julia Carson (D-Ind.) who died Saturday at home.  On Friday, December 21, the Indiana lawmaker will lie in state at the Indian State Capitol, allowing a final farewell from the Indianapolis community she served for more than a decade.
The business of the 7th District will continue under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives until her successor is sworn in.
Carson was 69. Carson’s career is filled with “firsts,” but she will always be remembered for leading the charge to bestow civil rights activist Rosa Parks with the Congressional Medal of Honor.  I witnessed the pride she felt in June 1999 when the medal was finally presented  to Parks in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. 
Rep. Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), who heads the Congressional Black Caucus, remembered Carson as an “esteemed colleague, friend and sister.”
“As a tireless public servant for over 35 years, ‘Miss Julia’ was unapologetically outspoken and equally relentless in her pursuit of parity for women and minorities in Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District and across the globe. She was a stalwart for social justice and a trailblazer – serving as the first woman and first African American Indianapolis has ever sent to Congress,” she said.
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) praised his colleague as a “trailblazer and an inspiration.” “She was not only a friend and a colleague, but a kindred spirit in the fight for equality and justice. The support that she generously offered me over these last few years, as well as her dignity, good humor, and faith, will never be forgotten,” he said.
 Sen. Evan Bayh, (D-Ind.) praised his fellow native as someone who ” overcame much and accomplished much, and devoted her life to helping other people do the same. She was elected to important public offices, but never forgot who she was, where she came from or who she was there to serve.”
“The Congressional Black Caucus, the United States House of Representatives and the world has lost a star and a stripe,” Kilpatrick said.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Politcal Producer 

Posted Dec. 14, 2007 – This week, the Clinton Campaign hit a new low when one of the national campaign co-chairs questioned if her top rival Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) should be president since he used drugs in his youth.

The outrage and backlash against Bill Shaheen, a well-known political insider only highlighted how desperate the campaign has become to gain back ground loss to Obama in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Shaheen tried to put the genie back in the bottle, by issuing an apology, but to no avail. By Thursday, he resigned.   “I made a mistake and in light of what happened, I have made the personal decision that I will step down as the Co-Chair of the Hillary for President Campaign,” he said.
This all started on Wednesday when Shaheen told the Washington Post , “The Republicans are not going to give up without a fight, and one of the things they’re certainly going to jump on is his drug use.”
Shaheen said Obama has opened the door to these questions.  “It’ll be, ‘When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?’” Shaheen said. “There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks.”

But it looks like Shaheen has already beat the Republican to the “dirty tricks”  he’s criticizing. 

What troubles me is the a steady flow of negative “miss-information” linked so closely to insiders of the Clinton camp.   Remember last month when a volunteer in Iowa was circulating misleading information that Obama was Muslim? And later that month, Robert Novak wrote a column saying a Clinton insider told him they had “scandalous information” on Obama.  Then there was the memo the Clinton campaign sent reporters implying Obama lied about his aspirations to be president because of a kindergarten essay he wrote entitled, “I want to be President.”
David Axelrod, Obama’s, political adviser, said he was pleased that Bill Shaheen has stepped down from the top spot on the Clinton campaign. “I think it’s a good decision, because I think what he did is beyond the pale.”

While folks should be focused on the issues, the personal attacks have taken center stage.  Even today, following last night’s Democratic debate, the last one before the Iowa Caucus, few political stories don’t mention the uproar over Shaheen remarks.  Because of his role as a political insider, his comments carried the weight of the Clinton campaign.

Mark Penn, Clinton’s chief campaign strategist said Clinton also apologized to Obama on Thursday before heading to the Iowa debate.

I find all of this a bit hypocritical; in the 1992 campaign Bill Clinton admitted he smoked marijuana?  He just wasn’t honest enough to admit he inhaled. 

Shaheen may have guaranteed Obama won’t have to counter this question from Republican challengers. 

Speaking of dirty tricks,  Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.) announced his new national campaign chairman Ed Rollins.  Not sure if you recall, but Rollins once bragged about “a dirty trick” he pulled on Black voters in New Jersey.

Rollins claimed that New Jersey Republicans had doled out $500,000 in “walking-around money” to Black ministers and Democratic Party activists on Whitman’s behalf.

www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,979635,00.html 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Posted Dec. 13, 2007 – It has taken 20 years for the courts and Congress to right a wrong right when dealing with sentencing for cocaine possession.   A day after the U.S. Supreme Court restored power to federal judges to use their discretion when meting out punishment for drug crimes, the U.S. Sentencing Commission gave judges additional authority to reduce prison terms.

This means that for those federal inmates already serving crack cocaine-related terms, shorter sentences and the effective date will be retroactive to Nov. 1 of this year. This could affect more than 19,000 inmates, 86 percent of whom are Black. 

On Wednesday, Black lawmakers applauded the Supreme Court and the Sentencing Commission decisions.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) said, “The Commission’s decision today [Wednesday] is a good first start, but it is only a beginning. At a time when our nation’s prison population continues to expand exponentially, at a huge cost to taxpayers, we must get smart about our nation’s drug policy.”

The debate about the fairness of drug sentencing has revolved around race.  Poor and Black folks disproportionately used the less expensive form of cocaine, “crack,” and therefore received stiffer sentences than those more affluent users who were more likely to use  powder cocaine.

Carolyn Kilpatrick, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said that one of her Black colleagues in Congress signed a letter in support of applying this modest guideline change retroactively.

Under the new ruling the guidelines for crack and powder cocaine are more equal.

Conyers calls this a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. “Congress must act to change crack/powder penalties,” he said. “I intend to hold hearings next year to begin the long-overdue process of changing these unfair laws.”
U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo, vice chairman of the commission, agrees.  Castillo told The Baltimore Sun, “It is the right thing to do.”

“There is just no way to justify the ratio of crack cocaine crimes being penalized much more harshly than those involving an equal amount of powder cocaine,” Castillo said. 

What do you think, should the punishment be the same for crack and powder?